NBA Rumors: Antonio Daniels in Limbo
It was just a week or so ago when veteran guard Antonio Daniels was all but in a Cavaliers jersey. Once Delonte West returned to the floor, it appeared that talks cooled off a bit. Now fast forward to today and we get word that Daniels was in Cleveland yesterday and could in fact be a member of the Wine and Gold within a matter of days.
Backcourt depth continues to be an issue for the Cavaliers despite the recent strong play of Daniel Gibson and the return of West. Gibson has been known to cool off from time to time and disappear for extended periods. West has the ongoing issue with his bi-polar disorder and could miss games with a possible suspension from the lingering weapons charges.
Thankfully, it appears that Ferry still holds the cards as he looks to make more tweaks for the betterment of the Cavaliers roster.
Per the Hoopsworld story, “Daniels’ top choice remains the Cavaliers and he’s awaiting an offer from the team before working out for other suitors. Cleveland has also asked Daniels’ camp not to speak with other teams, suggesting that an agreement between the two sides could come shortly.”
At this stage of the season, there appears to be some concern as to if Daniels would even be a part of the rotation. As The Wine and Goldrush points out, Jamario Moon – approximately our ninth man, or fourth off of the bench – has trouble netting 10 minutes per night. If Daniels would take the roster spot of Coby Karl, he would likely slot in around the 11th or 12th man on the roster.
With the four-man backcourt of Mo Williams, West, Gibson and Anthony Parker, it is admittedly tough to see where Daniels would fit in.
But with the season only a handful of games old, Daniels could be sought after as more of an insurance policy than anything. The Cavaliers are fortunate enough to not have had to play much without Williams manning the point. Daniel Gibson’s ball handling has been suspect at times, and West issues could be a season long hurdle. A hurdle that Cavalier Attitude tests as being bigger than the team is leading many to believe. Something that would ring true to what Vince Grzegorek touched on late last week.
Needless to say, as the Cavaliers are looking better now than they did through the first two games of the season, Danny Ferry continues to work the phones and see what he can do to make this team better. Whether or not he believes Antonio Daniels will do just that remains to be seen.
November 9th, 2009 at 11:00 am
I don’t see how adding a veteren like Daniels can hurt the team, regardless of his minutes.
November 9th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Just another player that Mike Brown will never play.
November 9th, 2009 at 11:27 am
We should start seeing more of Jamario. It feels like he brings great energy and the teams does play well with him on the floor.
West has been very chippy with the refs this season and got a tech against the Knicks that the ESPN broadcast swept under the rug. It hasn’t been the first time he has been in the refs face this year. Maybe Ferry feels he’s too much of a loose cannon. It’s never bad to have an insurance plan. Let’s get this done.
November 9th, 2009 at 11:39 am
At the beginning of the season, I would’ve loved to bring in Antonio Daniels but the Cavs have much bigger issues to address right now than backcourt depth. (Gibson has been on fire and he’s actually turned into a tough little defender all of sudden. I know, I was shocked, too.) But an athletic big man is what the Cavs desperately need right now. And I’d be hesitant to take on any more salary until we address that.
November 9th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Zeus, it seems to me that it would be rough to find anyone of quality who wants to come here for likely low money and then have to compete for his job with Leon Powe in January.
November 9th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Powe is going to be our big that comes off the bench and defends Garnett, Noah, Josh Smith, and possibly Rashard. Unless we trade Z, I don’t see us just being able to pick an athletic big that can shoot out of the air. Those guys are usually on a team at this point.
November 9th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
It makes me happy that the Cavs always look to improve, even when they’re already a good team.
Something new and different in the Land of Cleaves.
November 9th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Can I just say, I hate the NBA schedule!
Cavs haven’t played since Friday, and won’t play until Wednesday? Why can they have the least consistent schedule in all of pro sports?
Ugh.
November 9th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
When Zeus says athletic big man, I assume he thinks like I do. Not a free agent bum, but high quality player. Antonio Daniels does not help the Cavs compete. Like I’ve said. Cavs are a 6th place East time right now. They need a QUALITY 3-4 to throw into the rotation. A creator, not a spectator like the entire team. Without this….”next year” may be nothing but a dream. I know its tough to get this “player” on the team. But right now, Ferry has no choice. Z is replaceable….how many teams would love his contract right now? How many players out there could contribute 100% more on the floor than Z?
Make it happen or it will be a long Cold Winter.
November 9th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
You guys need to stop banking on Powe. He is a non factor, anything that he provides this year is a bonus. Andy needs to come off the bench, then Powe. We need to find the guy Powe fills in for.
November 9th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
I see Daniels as another piece for when we decide to go small…shifting Bron to the 4, Parker or Moon as a smaller 3, and then some combo of Mo, Daniels, Boobie, and West at the 1 and 2. I like it.
November 9th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Are there any legitimate 4s out there?
November 9th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
@historycat, consistent… once a week like football, or every day like baseball?
… or like hockey where the bluejackets, just last week, had 3 days off?
or maybe you should write a letter to the league letting them know how their “poor scheduling” is negatively affecting your lifestyle.
November 9th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Per Brian Windhorst’s Twitter: PDcavsinsider The Cavs did workout Antonio Daniels over the weekend but currently have no plans on adding a player